Subterranean Termite Swarmers

Don’t be alarmed…be informed.

BACKGROUND

From October through to late March, termite swarmers, more correctly named “Alates” will be noticed on those hot humid afternoons. Termites are normally white to almost transparent, wingless and totally blind, however Alates are specially produced reproductives with black pigment, wings and eyes, and their single task is to find a mate of the opposite sex and set up a home in a decayed log or stump where the female can lay a couple of dozen eggs, raise the babies and then allow the new brood to take over the care and maintenance of the new colony. The queen then goes about producing literally millions of eggs for the next 20 to 30 years.

A sudden swarm of winged termites can be unsettling to the homeowner to say the very least. One minute everything is normal and then, without warning a cloud of flying insects fills the air. Homeowners, in a panic will run for their can of Mortein and begin spraying in an effort to stop the swarming. This is a very common response in anyone confronted with a sometimes very startling situation. Some customers say it is something out of a horror movie. We have put together some helpful information in the event this spring season you are confronted with termite swarmers.

Make sure the insect is actually a termite Alate.

Many species of ants will also swarm in the spring time, and because treatment methods differ drastically between ants and termites it is important to know the difference.

This illustration shows the physical differences between ants and termites:

Try Not To Panic.

A sudden barrage of these winged termites does NOT mean your house will fall into splinters tomorrow. Swarming termites (Alates) themselves do not cause damage to structures or cause physical harm to people. Probably the most harm to people as a result of a swarm is the fog of insecticide used to kill them. So before you use an entire spray can of Mortein or other insecticide please note that Alates are very poor flyers and will fall to the ground a few metres from where they have swarmed.

If you have never had any evidence of a termite infestation this is usually the first signal a homeowner sees that an active infestation exists. There is no need to rush into a treatment contract for fear your house is being eaten out from under you. You don’t have months or years to do something about it because damage will likely continue in that length of time, but you do have enough time to choose a treatment plan that is right for you.

• Have your home inspected by a licensed pest control operator. Save a few specimen Alates to show him/her.
• Get more than one opinion and treatment quote.
• Never be hurried into a decision with scare tactics.
• If the house has had a history of termites, find out what company treated it and if there are any warranty provisions you are entitled to.